10:24am 1st March 2005 The parents of a 19-year-old girl suffering from the human version of mad cow disease have appealed for Government trials of a controversial drug which they believe has slowed the deterioration in her condition.

A High Court ruling was required to permit Holly Mills to receive pentosan polysulphate (PPS), which is pumped directly into her brain to alleviate the effect of new variant CJD.

Although it is not a cure, supporters of the drug believe it can lengthen vCJD sufferers' lives, as well as improving their quality of life.

The first patient to receive PPS is still alive after two years and is understood to be the longest-surviving vCJD sufferer.

But trials currently being carried out into potential treatments for vCJD by the Medical Research Council (MRC) do not include PPS.

Holly's father Peter told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We want to see more research done. We are not against any other therapies, we just believe this therapy should be included."

Holly's parents were previously prevented by a court order from discussing her condition in public, but a successful application from the BBC to have the injunction varied has now allowed them to explain the benefits they believe PPS has brought her.

"She is not 100% now, but she still has a chance to smile on occasions," said Mr Mills. "She still has memories."

Unlike many other vCJD sufferers, 18 months after her diagnosis Holly can still eat normally and be taken out of her home, although she does need 24-hour care.

Her mother Linda added: "I hope it will stop any more progression (in the disease). We could be grasping at straws, but if she stays as she is, she will do for me."